I need a new radiator, and I see that I can get them in brass or aluminum. Is there a difference in cooling, lifespan, or anything? Is there a difference in construction? My first radiator self destructed as the plastic side tanks split from the core. My second got ruined as the fan hit the shroud, which bent it into the radiator, destroying both, but that is another story and problem I need to post later.
Thanks.

 

My personal feelings are go with brass. They are repairable with torch and solder and I think you can still find radiator repair shops that will do the work cheaper than an all out replacement. I don't think you will find any plastic on a brass radiator either. As for efficency, both work well while clean. However I believe the water passages in aluminum are sometmes smaller which could plug sooner. As long as you are capable of removing more heat than you can make you are good to go. To be frank, price would have alot to do with the decision as well. I just did a quick search for my truck and Advance has two different prices one of which has a life time limited warrenty. They ain't cheap are they?

 

Brass all the way! And if you have a part # for brass

 

I would go aluminum. Corrosion is a mute point if you take care of your cooling system. Aluminum will transfer the heat more efficiently. The radiator is lighter. I like the aluminum.

 

Call 1 800 Radiator. I have bought a few thru them and they have always had the best price.
Price is enhanced if you are "Bills radiator shop" or ??

 

I have had both aluminum and brass rads in my CTD's and would take the aluminum rad any day. If you live in a 4 season climate, the aluminum rad will last much longer. My 94 has seen many hard, salt-ridden winters and still has the original aluminum rad.....it continues to perform fine. My 98.5 was factory equipped with the brass rad and it literally fell apart, it was that badly corroded....I replaced it in the nick of time with an aluminum unit. The corrosion factor between the two rads is not comparable - the aluminum alloy is far superior to the brass when it comes to corrosion resistance and will continue to deliver great heat transfer performance long after the brass rad has been tossed in the garbage.

 

Thanks for all the feedback, I appreciate it.